Disclaimer: See Chapter One.

A/N: Some questions are answered, some are not, but all will be eventually. I've gotten a couple questions about where I came up with my name. Lyn is the name of my niece, and Piton is Severus's last name in the Italian HP translations. Fifteen points to Molly Morrison's House of choice for guessing! Thanks for all the reviews, guys! Responses at the end of the chapter. --Piton

Chapter 5 - Fathers and Sons

Severus opened his eyes blearily, feeling horribly disoriented. As the remembrance of the previous night surfaced in his mind, he shot into an upright position. A vague movement at his chest made him glance down to find Harry curled up on his lap, sleeping much more calmly than when Severus had first found him. Easing the child onto the bed, he stood and tucked the boy in. Hopefully, he'd be able to get a few hours of peaceful sleep, at least. It wasn't until he was straightening from his task that he realized he was not the only conscious person in the room. He sighed, meeting Albus Dumbledore's steady, bright-eyed gaze.

"I suppose you already know exactly what happened here," he commented sourly.

Dumbledore studied him over the tops of his spectacles. "From what I arrived in time to see, Mr. Potter and yourself have experienced another of his visions." He hesitated, then plunged on. "I am sure we both know what your answer will be, but allow an old man the absurdity of concern and tell me: how are you feeling?"

Severus gritted his teeth. "I am fine!" he snapped. "Now do you think you are capable of ceasing the mother hen routine long enough to tell me just what is going on?"

Seeming utterly unfazed by this little tirade, Albus stood and made his way over to the storage cabinets at the front of the hospital wing. Rifling through the contents, he located a bottle of post-Cruciatus potion and returned to where Severus stood by Harry's bed. Thrusting the small vial into the man's hand, he murmured, "Once you have swallowed this we will talk."

Scowling ferociously, Severus downed the draught. "All right, you've gotten your way once again," he sneered, drifting into a nearby chair. He couldn't completely stifle a sigh of relief as the potion took effect, soothing his sore body.

Albus smiled softly at the sight, but wisely refrained from commenting. Rather, he sat down beside the potions master, and asked quietly, "I believe you have some Italian blood, do you not, Severus?"

The black eyes lost some of their chill as he answered blankly, "My mother was Italian, yes, but what does that..." His face cleared, a variety of emotions chasing one another until settling on befuddlement. "You aren't referring to Maglia, are you? Isn't that just some sort of myth?"

Albus shook his head. "Did you not listen during History of Magic?" he gently chided. "Maglia was what saved Principe Guido in 1322 when the French tried to assassinate him. Maglia was why Re Rudolfo disowned his eldest son in 1501." He patted Severus's arm. "Maglia was what woke you tonight, what brought you here." He leaned back in his chair. "Has Harry sensed it, too?"

"You mean, other than chatting with me while we watched Voldemort kill people?" Severus snarled. Suddenly very tired, he ran a hand over his eyes. "You would have to ask him. But he has to have, right? Doesn't the link work both ways?"

Raising an eyebrow in imitation of the man beside him, Albus commented, "You really paid no attention to Professor Binns, did you?" Upon seeing the rapidly darkening expression on the younger man's face, he hastily began to explain. "Maglia, as you know, is an Italian phenomenon that occurred quite frequently until several centuries ago. The most famous cases were those involving royalty, but it has been documented in all classes of Italian culture. It only ever occurs between father and son, and only when there is, at the very least, trust between the parties, a mutual respect, and no desire to harm the other. The loss of this bond is what alerted many men to plots by a son to gain inheritance or a title. Conversely, the presence of the bond allows either man to know if the other is in danger, and enables you to find each other." That said, Albus gave Severus a penetrating look. "Do you see what I am saying? The bond is not always reciprocated. Do you feel enough trust in Harry to enact his end of the Maglia?"

Ignoring the question and pushing aside his irritation at being lectured to like some slow fourth-year, Severus changed the subject. "I thought Maglia conveyed emotions and... I don't know... some sort of locating device, not the ability to experience each other's dreams!"

Albus nodded. "Ordinarily, that would be true. What you and Harry experienced last night, however, was not an ordinary dream." He added obliquely, "The pair of you are linked through more than just blood."

Severus thought back to the previous night. "Just before I... fell into the vision, I touched Harry's scar..." His eyes were drawn to his left arm. "We're linked through Voldemort?" His quiet tone could not temper his incredulity. "This doesn't mean he's linked to all the other Death Eaters too, does it?"

Shaking his head, Albus elucidated, "You would have to ask Harry if he can sense the Dark Mark at all, but your respective marks from Tom Riddle only served to channel the connection you already share." His eyes sparkled. "You do realize it will most likely grow," he added conversationally.

Severus groaned. "Somehow, I can't imagine Harry being very excited when he finds out he will have Lord Voldemort, and his greasy git of a Potions professor rattling around in his mind."

"I'd rather have you sensing my emotions than picking through my memories," Harry mumbled, rolling onto his side. The two older wizards regarded him in surprise. Albus recovered first.

"Harry! We did not know you had joined us," he said in a kindly manner. As he spoke, Severus strode to the cabinet and fetched another post-Cruciatus draught. He gave it to the boy with a look that said 'Drink this, or woe betide you.' Harry drank obediently as Albus, ignoring the byplay, continued. "So, how long were you listening?"

Harry shrugged sheepishly. "I woke up when you were explaining Maglia, sir," he admitted.

"At least we don't need to explain everything again," Severus muttered, taking the empty bottle from the boy's hands and bustling away.

"Quite right," Albus agreed cheerfully. Turning to Harry, he inquired, "Do you have any questions about what you heard?"

Brilliant green eyes met radiant blue as Harry thought. "Well, sir," he faltered. "I guess I was wondering... I know how Professor Snape found me here, but as I was waking up I thought I heard you say you arrived only shortly after him. How did you know to come here?"

The blue eyes turned solemn. There was a long pause before Albus answered carefully, "I was compelled to come by a similar, but much less mystical, method."

Harry's eyes widened. "That was why," he breathed, slightly accusing. "You knew the whole time, and... You weren't protecting me as much as him..." He trailed off as the Headmaster gave the smallest of nods. His face fell as he reproached, "You didn't care about me because I'm the Boy-Who-Lived, but it also wasn't because I'm me."

"What in Merlin's name are the two of you babbling about?" Severus had not traveled far enough when removing the vial to be out of earshot, but it did not seem that he paid sufficient attention to catch the entire gist of the exchange. "Albus, don't tell me you've managed to find you way inside the boy's head also, the child will have a Quidditch team in there before long!" He stood over them, folding his arms imperiously.

The two seated wizards exchanged a glance. "Have no fear, Severus, Mr. Potter's head is safe from my intrusion," Albus assured him. Harry rolled his eyes.

"Sir?" he asked timidly, another question coming to him. "Is Professor Snape going to experience all my visions with me, now? I don't think he will enjoy that."

Ignoring Severus's snort at the serious understatement, Albus frowned thoughtfully. "You know, I'm really not sure," he responded. "This time, he felt your distress clearly from a distance, but the actual experience did not begin until he touched your scar, right Severus?" The black-haired man nodded silently. "We know that Maglia usually means an awareness of the other's feelings at all times, not just at emotionally taxing moments, so I would guess that your connection will strengthen as your trust in each other strengthens. So eventually... it's a possibility."

"I don't think you are thinking this through, Harry," Severus drawled. "A connection such as ours could be useful at some point, much more so if it is not common knowledge. With you slavishly opening your mind to the Dark Lord at all hours of the day, he will know all that you know before long. Frankly, I'm surprised he hasn't found the prophecy yet." He grimaced. "I don't like to be the one to say it, but you need to learn Occlumency, especially if you are dead set on utilizing your visions. Without it, we will have to keep you uninformed yet again."

Harry opened his mouth to retort, then closed it without making a sound. He sighed heavily. "That makes sense, sir," he admitted reluctantly. Studying his hands, he whispered, "I know what I did last year was unforgivable, Professor, but is there any way you might be able to accept my sincere apology and teach me again?"

Severus blinked. To be frank, he had stopped caring about the Pensieve Incident after hearing the boy's opinion of what he saw. That still did not mean this was a good idea "Don't you think Albus might be a better choice for this?" he asked weakly.

Looking up from the bed, Harry fixed his gaze on the Headmaster, although his response was aimed at Severus. "I may understand now why he did what he did, but that doesn't mean I can trust him the way I need to for this to work," he murmured apologetically. Turning to the black-haired man, he said emphatically, "You've seen the worst; there's nothing left to find. I would rather learn from you." His voice lost its confidence as he added, "If you can find it in you to teach me."

Before Severus had a chance to respond Harry leaned closer to Albus, speaking so that only the two of them could hear. "You have treated me more like your trained dog than a sixteen-year-old boy, even if your intentions were good." He held up a hand to forestall the bearded wizard's protests. "I don't blame you, sir, not anymore. I'm not even angry with you. I understand. But I just can't trust you right now, not when I know you don't truly trust me to deal with what I must. I'm sorry."

Reaching out a wrinkled, age-spotted hand, Albus clasped Harry's hand and pulled it down from its place between them. Looking like there was something he wanted to deny, he opened his mouth only to close it wordlessly, before finally saying resignedly, "I understand, Harry." He gave them both a slight smile before leaving the hospital wing.

Feeling confused and considerably left out, Severus cleared his throat. The noise cracked through the silent room like thunder, and his expression wasn't dissimilar as he coolly commented, "If the two of you are quite finished whispering like a couple Hufflepuff girls, I believe you were waiting for a response from me?"

Chastened, the young men nodded, and Severus continued. "You are going to be living with me this summer, and Albus will not always be readily available, so it does make a certain amount of sense for us to resume your lessons. However, you have to put in effort this time; I will not waste my time once again on someone who cannot be bothered to practice."

Harry's face fell, and he retorted, "I'll try as long as you believe me when I tell you I am! There were times when I was giving my best effort, and you just said I wasn't working hard enough." Severus could feel Harry's anger flitting near the surface of his brain, but the boy paused and regained control before speaking again. "I don't want to fight you, I want to learn from you," he said simply. "Do you think we can find a way to do that?"

Feeling slightly defensive, Severus sneered. "It sounds simple enough in theory. I will make every attempt to be less... forceful."

Smirking, Harry responded, "And I will attempt to be less... Potter-like."

Snape rolled his eyes. "Very magnanimous of you," he deadpanned. A large growl from the vicinity of Harry's stomach cut off any further sparring. Quirking an eyebrow, Severus commented mildly, "It has been a rather long time since we last ate, hasn't it?" He rapidly summoned a house elf and they soon had breakfast sitting in front of them. As Harry was bringing the first forkful up to his mouth, the professor added casually, "By the way, Albus informed Poppy of your vision last night and you are confined to the hospital wing for at least one more night. Might I suggest you swallow the Dreamless Sleep this time, instead of using it to sedate the giant squid?"

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Later that day, Harry managed to sufficiently irritate Madam Pomfrey into allowing him to leave the hospital wing, as long as he returned in time for supper. He was slowly walking toward the library, trailing his fingers idly along the stone wall beside him, when he heard someone call his name.

Harry whirled around, automatically reaching for his wand. His first thought was that whoever this was, he was certainly no threat, but it was several moments later that he finally recognized the man. "Professor Lupin?" he half-asked, half-greeted. "It's good to see you!" Harry could barely manage to choke out the words. He loved seeing his former teacher, but he did not want to see him like this. He tried hard not to gape as he asked quietly, "How are you?"

Remus had continued to make his slow way toward his ex-student. His gait was uneven, as if his dreadfully thin legs could no longer support his weight. The clothing that sagged on his emaciated frame appeared to have been worn for at least several days, and his hair was as scattered as Harry's used to be. Finally reaching the boy, he smiled, although the expression failed to reach his eyes. "It is you, Harry, isn't it?"

Harry wanted to smack himself on the head. They had forgotten to recast the charm. 'I hope we weren't trying to keep this a secret,' he thought wryly. Laying a hand on Lupin's arm, he said reassuringly, "Yes, sir, it's me. I'm surprised you recognized me."

Lupin shrugged listlessly. "You still move the same." His eyes slid away from the boy's. "Would you like to walk with me to the Headmaster's office? I believe I'm running a bit late." Harry nodded obediently, and the two set out for the gargoyle. As they turned a corner, they were very nearly ploughed down by Snape.

"Ah, hello, Lupin," Severus greeted levelly. He studied the two men before him. He had been working in his lab when waves of shock and worry began to wash over him, and now he could see why.

Severus moved to the side to allow the others to pass, although he then began to follow them in the direction he had come from. "What brings you to Hogwarts?" he queried, sounding almost interested in the reply.

"Albus asked for a meeting," the man replied tonelessly. "I don't know what he wanted to discuss." It was a true mark of Remus's distraction that he had not yet noticed the newfound resemblance between the two men flanking him.

Severus felt like he might drown in the crush of emotions he was receiving from Harry. He felt an unwilling empathy for the boy; his godfather had died a month ago, the abusive Dursleys were dead, he had received quite a shock ('Although not nearly as large as you,' he reminded himself), and now the remaining Marauder, Harry's link to his past, was having a breakdown. Severus scowled, confused by the unfamiliar actions his mind was urging him toward. He wanted to make the boy happy, fix things and make them better, but he did not do things like that! Telling himself he was acting for purely selfish reasons--until something changed he would have to deal with this sniveling in his head--he said abruptly, "Lupin, please stop by my office before you leave, I'd like to discuss some alterations to the Wolfsbane Potion that I've been considering."

"Okay," the werewolf said vaguely, and Severus took that as his cue to leave. Bowing slightly in farewell, he spun around and headed toward the dungeons.

He headed straight for his office, where he collapsed into his chair, staring blankly at the fireplace. He couldn't deny a feeling of relief that he had made the effort with Lupin, and that worried him. Harry had recognized what he intended to do, and the boy's gratitude flowing through his mind was oddly pleasant. This was all Harry's fault! He'd never been helpful before--he was the bastard of the dungeons, he didn't care! Feeling an intense headache coming on, Severus accioed a bottle of whiskey and a glass. If he had to deal with one of his childhood enemies, he was sure a hell not going to be sober enough to do all this thinking at the same time.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed. Please review, let me know what you like and what you don't, it's the only way I know what to change for the future! --Piton

Responses to Reviews:

Pearl of the Moon (Pearly ;) ), ElavielBlack, Marauders-Lover, Makalani Astral, MirreZ, Alynna Lis Eachann, GoddessMoonLady, Cyn Wraith, MoonpoettessZ, leggylover03, kateydidnt, sesshyluver03, Potter Reader, HecateDeMort, ShadowedHand: Thanks so much for the great reviews! You guys make my day, and it really helps to know which parts of the story really work for you. A lot of you have reviewed for most every chapter, and hugs for that!

Anna Taure: Alas, I don't read French or I would check out your fic. :) I like Dumbledore, I really do, but I think everyone in his world needs to wake up and figure out that he's not God. As for Harry and Snape, this answers a bit of that question; at least they both know what's going on now, all that remains to be seen is how they will deal with it.

Bella Black: There will be more darkness later on, I promise. I'm pretty sure there will also be some Bellatrix, but not for quite a while yet.

Vyxgallanxchi: Yup, a mile in someone else's shoes will really get you somewhere. :) Dumbledore... is complicated. He cares a lot about these people, but the only way he knows how to show that is through manipulation. He is trying, though, honest! Let me know if you still feel like you are missing something; I often forget that everyone else doesn't have the advantage of being in my head when they're reading this.

Loony Lisa Lovegood: Let me say first, I love your name! And what a great review--I felt so great after reading it! I love canon Snape, even though I think he's devilishly hard to write (I can just imagine him smirking about that). Let me know how well he's staying in character; the more the story develops, the harder it is not to lose the snarkiness we love!

Padawan Jan-AQ: Thanks for all the reviews! I'm glad you caught that, about Harry's dream self; I wasn't sure it was clear enough. I'm glad you like it so far!

Molly Morrison: Ah, a fellow Italian Harry Potter reader! The name changes crack me up. I've only read Harry Potter e la Camera dei Segreti in italiano, though. Don't be too impressed--my native language, and definitely the only one I'm fit to write in, is definitely English. As for Dumbledore... that complicated man! Sometimes I don't even know what he's up to! I'm glad you like it so far!